Daniil Medvedev skillfully absorbed a steady pace of questions about the Russia-Ukraine conflict as he prepared to compete in the Miami Open. Medvedev, who slipped to world #2 after a 3rd round loss to Gael Monfils at Indian Wells last week, has bigger things on his mind.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, the Russian said, “I think everybody knows what’s happening, so it’s basically of course impossible to ignore it.”
Medvedev was asked for his reaction to a UK politician’s remark that Russian players might need to provide assurances that they do not support Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to compete at Wimbledon. He sidestepped the opportunity to do so, saying he can only take regulations “tournament by tournament.”
“I of course do have my own opinions on different topics, but I prefer, yeah, to speak about them with my family, with my wife, where we can sometimes disagree but we can discuss,” Medvedev said.
By invoking his family, the U.S. Open Champion perhaps subtly reminded the world that a public repudiation of Putin might result in repercussions back home in Russia.
“I want everybody to be safe, healthy, myself included, other people included, everybody in the world. Sometimes it’s not possible, but that’s what I want,” Medvedev said.
With a first-round bye, Medvedev awaits the winner of the Andy Murray – Federico Delbonis match at the Miami Open.
